Maths in Gravity Lamps - Carl Gauss Tech

DECIWATT-THE GRAVITY POWERED LAMP

Gravity light-THE GRAVITY POWERED LAMPBY TEAM CARL GAUSS TECH

Aim of this projectUsing mathematics is an essential part of any new technological startup today, and green technology is no exception. Mathematics in some form is the basis behind all technology in this world.In this particular case we will be looking at the utilization of mathematics in the concept of the Gravity Light, a lamp that allows the generation of light and electricity through gravity. As well as playing its role in green technology progress, by the means of reduced production of green house gases, this lamp also has a considerable social impact, due to the fact that its price and the requirements of usage make it possible to be used by many third-world countries, which may not have direct access to electricity and as a result effective lighting.

The problem we are facing1.5 billion people on the planet, who do not have access to electricity, rely on different biomass fuels; garbage or alcohol fuels, such as kerosene. This is their only source of light once the sun begins to set. This in many ways is harmful to both the environment and the all the people that share the living space.

Kerosene Lamps-Will create more fire risks, since in most third world countries, kerosene lamps are a cheap source of light. However over the past years there have been many reports of burns and deaths because of this unsafe solution to lighting. -Will give of hazardous gases, such as carbon monoxide (CO). Carbon monoxide is a gas that we can not see, smell or taste. It bonds with haemoglobin in our red blood cells, allowing less oxygen to be carried by the red blood cells. This can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and will be fatal if the person continues to be exposed to the gas.

How the lamp works

You are provided with two bags that you can fill with stones, rocks, etc. One big bag (8-12.5kg), one small bag (0.5kg-1kg).

You attach the bag to the weight hook and lift it up.

As the previously lifted weight descends, it turns a series of gears within the lamp into motion.

The gears in turn spin the electric motor.

The electric motor provides enough energy to power up an LED for 15 to 30 minutes. The length of time depends on the weight of the bag and the brightness settings. The brighter the lamp, the shorter the period of time.

There are external connectors that allow charging and powering various other devices such as torches and radios.

Gravity Light VideoWe have requested a demonstration of the device, and they have share this video with us.

Gravitational potential energy

. So lets assume that we hang the Gravity light from a 2m height, and on high brightness it runs for 15mins.. The mass of the main bag is 12.5 kg and the opposite bag weighs 0.5 kg. (Resultant weight is 12 kg).We know that the gravitational field strength of earth is 9.8N/kg.

Power (Watts)

G.P.E (J)

Time (s)0.26 W

235.2 J

900 s

Energy diagramInputOutputThe Gravity Light

LightGravitational Potential EnergyThermal SoundKinetic

Wasted Energy

Calculating EfficiencyTo calculate efficiency : Output/ InputIt is important to calculate the energy efficiency to understand how much of the useful energy is produced. In our energy diagram we can see that there is some energy wasted in forms of thermal, kinetic and sound.The input is the Gravitational Potential Energy we have already calculated. The outputs are on the next page in a table.

The power output of the lampThis can be calculated in watts (joules per second, as the energy output) or lumens (the amount of light emitted per second). As there are 3 different settings, the output of energy would also be different for each of them. The following outputs are generated in case a 12.5 kg load is used.Light settingEnergy output in wattsEnergy output in lumensHigh0.1 15Medium0.07510Low0.055

The effectiveness of the lampLumens are used to measure all the light emitted, however using Lux (lumens per square meter) would be more appropriate to compare effectiveness of the Gravity Light as a light source.As Gravity Light is an LED, all of its light can be projected onto a specific surface, rather then emitting it in multiple directions. Therefore, the output of the lamp would be between 5 and 15 lux depending on the setting.As a comparison, the output of an average kerosene lamp in Lux would be between 1 and 6 Lux, due to the fact that its light is emitted in multiple directions, some of which could be unwanted.

The impact of the Gravity lamp on green technologyUsage of renewable energy sources (which in this case would be Gravitational Potential Energy, which is obtained by the weight in course of lifting) and the fact that it does not use batteries, which would be recharged with the energy obtained from non-renewable energy sources, make it an outstanding example of green technology.

The social impact of the lampThe lamps cost is only 5 USD, which makes it possible to purchase by poorer households in developing countries. It does not require any electricity apart from its own and can be used to charge and power multiple devices, such as radios and torches.